On your wedding day, you and your wedding party will be the star attractions. With all eyes on you, it’s important that you take some time to select enhancing jewelry. Bridal jewelry is a wonderful accompaniment to your wedding gown and the gowns of your bridal party. Here are some guidelines that will help you choose.
Most brides agree that "over-the-top" jewelry is not appropriate, or attractive. Take some time to look over the women’s magazines to see what’s in style. Pay a visit to your trusted, local jeweler and ask for an opinion. Most jewelers attend one, or more jewelry shows every year, which gives them a leg up on what’s coming down the pike. They, in large measure, are the trend setters, because they bring the merchandise to the public’s attention. When you visit there, make sure to wear your new, sparkling engagement ring, so that whatever you pick won’t overshadow, but rather complement it.
First a word about engagement rings. More than 82% of today's brides will receive and wear a diamond engagement ring. Classic cut of round or brilliant remain popular. The trend-following bride prefers fancy shapes such as oval, pear, heart, marquise, cushion and Asscher cut diamonds. The Asscher cut is a "rebirth" of a fashion that was all the rage in the twenties. The characteristic that sets these stones apart is their square-looking cut. What’s especially pleasing about this cut is that is really good at reflecting light, which, of course, draws the eye's attention. Asscher cut stones look with most wedding bands, especially those which feature today’s popular pavé diamond settings. Pink and yellow diamonds are also “hot” and are wonderful for adding a feminine touch. Pinks are excellent for complementing a blush-pink wedding gown. "Fancies" is the jewelry industry’s name for richly-colored stones. They tend to be pricey and may, therefore not be in a budget-conscious bride’s budget. Their “sister stones,” pink tourmaline, pink freshwater cultured pearls, apple jade (rhodocrosite), rose quartz and cherry quartz make very acceptable "seconds."
Both for comfort and for the "look," cuff bracelets work really well. Made of gold or silver, enhanced, or not with gemstones, it’s the detail work that will set your bracelet(s) apart. Most attractive are tiny diamonds, gemstones, rhinestones, or beads that will give the cuff a feminine look and keep it from being too chunky looking. If you are fortunate enough to have a family heirloom, or antique, they are very “in” and serve to add not only a personal, but also a sentimental look.
Framing your face is the important job of whatever earrings you choose to wear. Today’s popular chandelier and pagoda earrings are the choice of many of today’s brides. The earrings, with diamonds, pearls, glass beads, or rhinestones hearken back to the Art-Deco period and is the frame that "surrounds" your face, the picture.
The range of necklaces that brides are choosing runs the gamut from today’s big and bold cascading gemstones to the ever-popular, classic pearl choker of one, or multi-strand pearls. The very affordable freshwater pearl which today is hard to discern from the “real” ones, gives every bride the opportunity to wear pearls on her wedding day and, if she wishes, to have her attendants follow suit. The trendy bride may wish, instead, to din one, two or more pendants. Keep in mind that classic, dainty pendants, diamond studs, and naked wrists are always stylish.
Whatever jewelry you choose, keep in mind that its purpose is to enhance what you are wearing, and bear in mind that it’s you, not your jewelry that should stand out. Choose wisely for yourself and your attendants and the jewelry you pick today will be the heirlooms of tomorrow.
